The Natchez Village Council met Thursday, September 7 at the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. The Mayor, Police Chief, Aldermen Johnson and Sarpy were all present as were several citizens and Parish Council member Bill Allen. Alderman Hoover was absent as was the village clerk who resigned in August to accept a new position. Mr. Cleve Davis of the sewer department was also absent.
After the meeting opened, Chief of Police Michael Gillie, Jr. gave his report, stating that there were: 4 tickets issued for parking in a fire lane at the bar, 2 tickets for speeding, 2 tickets for no driver’s license on person and a theft arrest at Dollar General. The fines total $2,975.50 with a court date of October 6. The National Night Out in Natchez will be on the second Tuesday of October at 6:00 p.m. and will be held in front of city hall.
Mayor Patsy Ward Hoover them gave her report. She thanked the residents who have worked so hard to clean up the village. Johnson Loop and Main St. were judged to be the cleanest of the village’s streets. The mayor also stated that the repairs on sewer lift stations 1,2,3, and 4 have been completed at a cost of $5,100.00, slightly under the projected $5,400.00 cost. There was some great news in the form of a letter from Governor Edwards letting the village know that they were awarded a grant of $25,000.00 for the purchase of a police car or police car equipment. The village has hired Ms. Sonia Williams. She is a CPA and is reconciling the village’s accounts and preparing for an upcoming audit.
The council failed to approve the minutes from the July 6, 2023 meeting with alderman Johnson voting yes and alderman Sarpy abstaining. The council did however approve the minutes of the August 3, 2023 meeting and the special called meeting August 14, 2023 with both aldermen voting yes.
There were no appointments to boards or commissions, first introductions of proposed ordinances, public hearings, or resolutions.
As for Other Agenda Items, the mayor and council discussed compensation for Mr. & Mrs. Leon Hamilton as lift station # 2 is on their property. This has been the case ever since the sewer system was built, but a formal agreement needs to be in place. The mayor and council also discussed ideas for spending the $123,882.06 in funds from the American Rescue Plan. The council members will bring written proposals to the October 6 meeting.
There were no visitors for non-agenda items. The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
